The Teaching and Learning Technologies department at the University of Kansas Medical Center post updates, tips, and other educational technology information.

Monday, March 16, 2015

Adobe Connect Upgrade

A planned upgrade on May 18, 2015, will have Adobe Connect moving from version 9.0 to 9.4. So, what does this upgrade entail? Below is a list of some of the improvements. Click on the link for more information.

As always, if you have any questions regarding this upgrade or Adobe Connect, contact TLT at 913-588-7107 or tlt@kumc.edu.

Improved Video Pod (Filmstrip Mode)

Now there is the brand new filmstrip view for
the video pod. A presenter or host in the Adobe Connect room can choose
between the filmstrip view or the grid view. They can also determine
which camera should should be highlighted as the main video feed.

The video pod has a number of other improvements as well. For
example, there’s a new fullscreen mode which is able to provide a true
video conferencing experience and removes the other elements from the
meeting. Hosts and presenters can now force their view on all
participants ensuring that everyone is seeing the video pod in
fullscreen. Also, using the filmstrip mode improves bandwidth for all users by making smaller and fewer participant videos. For a demonstration of this feature, watch the following video.

Screen Sharing Improvements

Screen sharing is the most common activity in an Adobe Connect room. A new screen sharing control panel has been added that enables
someone who is sharing their screen to see a preview of what’s being
shared, control the video and the audio in the meeting, manage
participants, interact with chat as well as see and respond to any
notifications.

The screen sharing control panel is launched automatically, but it is only seen by the individual who is screen sharing and it can be moved
around to ensure it’s not blocking any content. Customers who prefer a
full-size preview on a second monitor can click the arrow in the
top-left corner to return to the meeting and use the old method. You’ll
never have to ask “Can you see my screen?” again. You can see a video of
the screen sharing control panel here.

In addition to the new screen sharing control panel, this upgrade makes it easier to determine what is about to be shared. When you
choose to share your screen, you’re now given a preview of what you’re
about to share. For example, on the Desktop tab, you can see which
screen you’ll be sharing if you have two monitors. On the Windows and
Applications tabs, you’ll see a preview of all of the
different applications and documents that are available. You can select
one or more of these. Even better – once you start your screen share,
Adobe Connect will automatically highlight what is being broadcast in
the meeting.

Life-like Whiteboard

Improved tools for drawing
and annotating have been added to – like new
pen and pencil tools that join improved marker and highlighter.
You’ll also see a brand new color picker and the ability to arrange
layers.
Users can now use their virtual whiteboard the same way they
would use a physical whiteboard in a classroom. When combined with a
mobile device, it makes for an easy way to write equations or notes.

Updated Mobile App

The improved mobile app allows or hosting from a mobile device with enhanced drawing and annotation tools. Adobe Connect Mobile 2.3 is now available for free download on iTunes here, and the Google Play Store here.

Outlook Add-in

The Outlook add-in for Adobe Connect offers an extremely easy way of
managing your Adobe Connect meeting room from the most familiar and the
most used interface – MS Outlook client. No more the need to remember
your meeting details for inviting participants or the need to go the web
portal to manage your meeting rooms. All of this can be achieved from
within the familiar Outlook client.

In this video here, Alistair demos how easily you can manage all your
meeting room using the Add-in. He also shows how to use the Add-in to
create customized invites for Adobe Connect meetings from your Outlook
client itself.